Usability testing. Testing checklist

What is usability testing?

Usability testing – is a process of interaction with a tested product, in which such things are studied as a level of usability and customer satisfaction. It is performed both by testers and ordinary users, and eventually, all the results are summarized and processed. 

The basic criteria:

• website and pages (software interface) load speed; 
• layout adaptability;
• language, counting system, time format are presented in the conventional format (or they can be changed quickly);
• easy-to-read font and content quality;
• basic functionality is clear, and you do not have to search for it;
• absence of the horizontal scrollbar ;
• uniformity of the interface, site map presence;
• presence of company information and logo;
• no annoying elements for users, for instance, advertising with sound;
• page 404 informs time and a reason for an error and has information about the main sections and contacts.

Besides, it is crucial not to forget about the main goal of usability testing – usability checking and level of user satisfaction with the product. We also must check how people use the product and identify problem areas to improve some functions. Let us look at them in detail.

Objectives of usability testing:

• increasing sales numbers, site visits, and successful deals on the resource;
• the interface must be clear if we want users to be able to understand it easily and navigate well throughout it;
• the user can quickly perform any necessary action (buying, registering, opening an article, video, downloading an image, etc.);
• there are no problems or errors in the process of performing actions; 
• the product is user-friendly, users can draw on their experience of working with other applications in its use;
• taking into account problems of a broader range of users, for instance, voiceover for blind or visually impaired users.

Usability testing checklist

Usability checklist items generally meet the basic criteria of this type of testing. In addition, it is required to test the following moments described below:

Usability of functionality:

• instant scrolling (the «Up/Down» buttons on the long pages);
• the options are dynamically changed (there is a list of available options before the input, there is also a possibility not to choose from the list if there is no appropriate option);
• everything that can be done automatically should be done this way (the delivery city is substituted according to the user location, but the user may also edit it);
• the clickable logo leads to the main page and does not overlap the page;
• there is a convenient search on the site or application;
• usability of buttons (buttons are pressed, not the text on them or the surrounding area).

Design and key elements:

• absence of bright colors and coloured text;
• the color depends on the perception of the subconscious meaning (red – means an error, green – everything is okay);
• the optimal size of the active elements (links, banners, buttons);
• tooltips appear where it is needed, for example, to inform why the button or link is inactive. They should not be hidden;
• the search bar, contacts, article subheadings are located on the page in the form of the «F» letter (following the user's gaze);
• the link design is in the same color and style throughout the application; 
• there is only one search field, and there is help in case of the absence of search results;
• protection from the spam (in the comments);
• authorization through the social networks;
• convenient feedback form with a question confirmation and response sending;
• support chat with a real person, and displayed time of response waiting;
•  thematic categorization.

Registration:

• the required fields are highlighted;
• the minimal but necessary amount of data;
• one column of fields;
• simplicity in filling (using placeholders);
• validation check of input data before sending the form;
• informative message about the error and highlighting the required field; 
• the function of the password view;
• convenient editing;
• registration confirmation;
• there is a possibility to refuse mailings.

Images:

• uniformity in size of the same forms and colors;
• usefulness (images with information or design elements);
• high quality.

Fundamental approaches to usability testing involving users

Some usability tests are quite difficult, as they are closely connected with analytics, and therefore, a large number of testers are required. Therefore, such tests are performed with real users, and after that, results are processed and analyzed.  

It is necessary when product knowledge by designers, testers, marketing experts, or the owner prevents one from understanding the real usability of the program.

Three common types of usability testing include:

• moderated (with trained facilitator and participants of the test) or unmoderated testing (without direct control);
• remote testing (It is suitable for a large number of people) or in opposite personally (in the presence of UX researcher or moderator);
• research (open testing), comparative (the view on the competitor) and evaluation testing (satisfaction check).

Example

We define areas of the site, for instance, «Orders», then choose the segment of users (the ones who made a purchase) that can be asked questions about your site. 

Essential features of the website are usually considered during the development of scenarios. For example, the main task of an e-commerce website is making purchases. That is why one should include the scenario which will encourage the user to buy something.

Testing usability, you should adhere to established protocol with every participant (if it is moderated testing). It is like a test case or course of action that leaves a margin for settings but still guarantees the general, common, and standardized experience for every testing object.

After all data have been collected, the results should be analyzed, and conclusions should be drawn.

One way of usability testing is the analysis of heatmaps. In the context of problem-solving, it can show which part of the important landing page people pay attention to and what functionality is left unnoticed.

Usability testing is no less important than functionality testing. If the functionality works perfectly but is not convenient to use, it is unlikely to become popular among the target audience. Software usability is like comfortable shoes. If it is convenient, users will like it forever. If not, they will choose something else after the first meeting.